Massachusetts Refrigeration License #RC-148128
Massachusetts Master Sheet Metal License #2284
Massachusetts Sheet Metal Business License #493
At Preferred Air, we aim to make HVAC systems as understandable as possible for our customers. While we can guide you through setting up and using your system in person, you'll likely do some research on your own. So, to make that process easier, you can use this guide to help decode common HVAC abbreviations, making it easier to navigate product listings, watch instructional videos, understand efficiency standards, and more.
Air Conditioning: A method used by HVAC systems to manage indoor climate by controlling temperature and humidity, often doubling as an air purification system. The main objective of air conditioning is to provide a cooler and more pleasant environment inside a building. These systems usually comprise a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant. Common types of air conditioning systems include central air conditioning, mini-split AC systems, and heat pumps.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency: AFUE indicates the efficiency with which a furnace or boiler converts fuel into heat over a year, expressed as a percentage. For instance, an AFUE of 95% means that 95% of the fuel is effectively turned into heat for the home, with the remaining 5% lost.
Air Handling Unit: The indoor component of an HVAC system responsible for circulating air that has been heated or cooled. AHUs typically include parts such as blowers, filters, and dampers but may also include the heating and cooling elements themselves.
British Thermal Unit: A unit of measurement for heat. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. For example, an air conditioner rated at 9,000 BTU/hr can remove 9,000 BTUs of heat from the air each hour.
Coefficient of Performance: A metric for assessing the efficiency of an HVAC system, defined as the ratio of usable hot or cool air provided to the energy consumed. Higher COP values indicate more efficient systems.
Demand-Controlled Ventilation: A ventilation system that uses sensors to adjust the amount of outside air introduced into a building based on occupancy and air quality needs, aiming to enhance indoor air purity while maximizing energy efficiency.
Department of Energy: A U.S. government agency responsible for managing national energy policies and promoting energy efficiency. The DOE ensures that HVAC systems comply with specific standards, including those related to energy efficiency.
Dew Point Temperature: The temperature at which air becomes fully saturated with moisture, causing condensation. DPT is a critical measurement for ensuring HVAC systems properly manage humidity levels. Higher dew points indicate more moisture in the air, while lower dew points indicate drier air.
Direct Expansion: A type of air conditioning system where the refrigerant directly absorbs and removes heat from the air. DX systems are efficient as they require fewer components to perform the same functions as other systems.
Energy Efficiency Ratio: A measure of the efficiency of an air conditioning system under specific conditions, calculated by dividing the cooling output (BTUs) by the energy input (watt-hours). Higher EER values represent more efficient systems.
Energy Recovery Ventilator: A ventilation system that enhances indoor air quality and conserves energy by transferring heat and humidity between incoming and outgoing air, reducing the HVAC system's workload.
Evaporator Coil: A crucial component responsible for absorbing heat from indoor air during cooling or outdoor air during heating, facilitating heat exchange.
Ground Source Heat Pump: Also known as a geothermal heat pump, this system uses the earth's stable temperature to regulate indoor temperatures. A GSHP extracts heat from the ground during winter to warm the building and transfers heat to the ground during summer to cool the building.
Heat Recovery Ventilator: A ventilation system that exchanges heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality by reducing the need for the HVAC system to condition the incoming air from scratch.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor: This metric measures a heat pump's efficiency in heating mode, comparing the heat output to the electricity consumed over an entire heating season. Higher HSPF ratings indicate more efficient heat pumps.
Indoor Air Quality: The quality of air within a building, characterized by the absence of pollutants, contaminants, and excessive humidity. Good IAQ is typically achieved through filtration, ventilation, and dehumidification.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value: A rating system for air filters indicating their effectiveness in trapping airborne particles. Higher MERV ratings signify more efficient filters. Ratings of 8-13 are suitable for most residential and small commercial applications. The highest MERV ratings would be used at facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio: SEER is a metric for measuring the cooling efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump systems over a cooling season. SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling output (BTUs) by the energy input (watt-hours). Higher SEER ratings indicate more efficient systems.
Variable Air Volume: VAV is an HVAC system that changes airflow to different zones (a room or collection of rooms) within a building based on specific heating or cooling needs, providing precise control of temperature and improving energy efficiency.
Variable Refrigerant Flow: VRF is a technology that allows for individualized control of refrigerant (the substance that carries heat from inside or outside) flow to multiple indoor units from a single outdoor unit. The aim of VRF is to enhance energy efficiency and flexibility in HVAC system design.
Have more questions? Don't hesitate to contact our responsive customer service team at (978) 750-8282 or preferredairinc@outlook.com; we'll help you find the right solution for your home or business.
Preferred Air has been offering trusted service for 33 years. We'd love to have you join our community by scheduling a service or a complimentary professional system evaluation and estimate for upgrades or replacements of your current system with our factory-trained expert technicians.